Andy Burnham has change into the brand new UK prime minister. He has pledged he’ll lead a “pro-business” authorities, however what do small enterprise house owners need him to ship for them? 32 entrepreneurs instructed us.
“If Andy Burnham actually needs to again small companies, he must type out the issues that cease them rising. Reform enterprise charges and deal with sky-high industrial rents, make the tax system less complicated, assist SMEs with expertise, apprenticeships and expertise, give native councils the ability to make selections for their very own communities, cut back the price of using folks, and do one thing about landlords who go away outlets empty for years.
“Busy excessive streets create jobs, deliver communities collectively and provides small companies the arrogance to take a position and develop.”
Tina Gatherum-Studying, editor, writer and creator
“I need to see a authorities that makes it simpler for small companies to develop as a substitute of spending valuable time navigating paperwork. Give us less complicated programs, higher entry to finance, assist for carers working companies, and inexpensive coaching.
“Because the mum or dad of a kid with extra wants, self-employment isn’t a luxurious, it’s what permits me to work whereas caring for my son. Many carers depend on small companies for that very same flexibility. We don’t anticipate success to be handed to us. We merely desire a honest probability to construct one thing significant. When small companies succeed, households, communities and native economies thrive.”
“The UK’s financial development is dependent upon enterprise, but while massive organisations obtain common assist from authorities, founder-led SMEs hardly ever do. I need to see VAT reformed so it not acts as a barrier to development. A phased strategy, much like earnings tax, would encourage companies to scale with out the worry of a right away 20% cliff edge.
“Authorities additionally wants to make sure their backed loans are genuinely accessible, as many viable companies nonetheless wrestle, unnecessarily, to safe funding and due to this fact development.
“Lastly, micro and small companies shouldn’t be ruled by the identical guidelines as massive companies. Proportionate regulation would unlock entrepreneurship, jobs and wider financial prosperity.”
Carol Evans, I Am Carol Evans
“I’d like the brand new prime minister to recognise that Britain’s artistic industries are one in all our biggest financial belongings, but many small companies working inside them face rising prices, expertise shortages and growing uncertainty.
“The precedence needs to be making a secure surroundings the place companies can make investments with confidence. Which means simplifying the tax system, decreasing pointless regulation, enhancing entry to finance and making it simpler for small companies to recruit and retain gifted folks.
“The federal government must also do extra to assist UK companies that export their providers internationally. Small companies don’t anticipate handouts—we would like the arrogance to take a position, create jobs and develop, understanding the principles received’t continually change.”
Oliver Moheda, Complete Artist Administration
“Round 25% of small companies within the UK are owned by disabled folks, and we contribute so much to the financial system. We’ve all the similar points as non-disabled enterprise house owners, alongside having to take care of potential problems as a consequence of our extra wants.
“I’d love for Andy Burnham to make sure that Entry to Work treats everybody equally – as with PIP, it usually looks like a lottery as as to whether you’re going to get a “good” or “dangerous” assessor – and shortly. The influence of making use of, and renewing, is way too lengthy, having vital influence on these in employed work and people who are self-employed.”
Vie Portland, coach, coach, speaker and creator
“Because the founding father of a small enterprise assist company and an ADHD coach, I see first-hand what number of neurodivergent entrepreneurs are falling by way of the cracks of a system that wasn’t designed for them. I’d like to see the brand new prime minister recognise that one in 5 enterprise house owners thinks in a different way, whether or not that’s ADHD, autism, dyslexia or one other neurotype, and be sure that enterprise assist programmes, funding purposes and authorities processes are genuinely accessible, not simply technically obtainable.
“Small companies don’t want extra hustle tradition rhetoric. We want less complicated programs, much less pink tape and a authorities that understands that thriving doesn’t need to look the identical for everybody.”
Nic Grey, Nic Grey & Associates
“Cease making small enterprise house owners pay tax on cash they haven’t earned but. HMRC’s funds on account system can put actual strain on money stream, particularly for companies whose earnings varies from yr to yr. It’s significantly difficult for these of their first yr of enterprise, who can successfully face a double tax cost.
“That cash is much better left within the enterprise to fund development and put money into its future. If the federal government needs small companies to thrive, it ought to begin by trusting them to pay tax when it’s really due.”
Kate Tynan, The Cake Enterprise Membership
“Assist for companies in rural places, and a concentrate on enterprise growth, particularly the south west which endlessly will get forgotten. In Devon, we’ve got a powerful concentrate on tourism and small companies make up the mainstay of labor alternatives however we’re crippled by rules extra appropriate for big scale corporations.
“As a feminine enterprise proprietor, my concern can also be that women-opened small companies, which make use of ladies in bigger numbers and make up practically 20% of all enterprises, have minimal governmental assist for smaller scale specifics like maternity cowl.”
Isabella Day, The Outstanding Goldsmiths
“Small enterprise house owners don’t want extra difficult schemes or political soundbites. We want sensible assist that improves money stream, makes funding simpler to entry and offers rising companies the arrogance to take a position and make use of.
“I’d additionally prefer to see much more consideration given to women-led companies, particularly midlife founders who’re constructing corporations whereas managing caring tasks, hormonal change and monetary strain. Too many sensible ladies are nonetheless undercharging, underfunded and missed. Once we assist founders to develop sustainable, worthwhile companies, we don’t simply assist people – we strengthen households, communities and the broader financial system.”
Tracey Louise Taylor, MenoMoney
“If Andy Burnham plans to make a significant distinction to small companies, he ought to look past funding alone.
“Small companies additionally want sensible, neutral assist to change into simpler to find, perceive and belief on-line as search and buyer behaviour change.
“AI creates an enormous alternative, nevertheless, many founders are blocked by fragmented recommendation, unclear use instances and a insecurity about the place to start out.
“Authorities-backed assist ought to mix digital expertise, AI adoption and advertising and marketing route, with steerage constructed round actual enterprise issues quite than particular person instruments or passing tendencies.
“Higher entry to trusted experience would assist small companies compete, enhance productiveness, and switch expertise into sustainable development.”
Paul Culshaw, Recognition
“I run my enterprise by myself, with no employees. I nonetheless get hit with the complete Nationwide Insurance coverage rise. There’s an allowance meant to assist small corporations with this, however sole administrators don’t qualify, so I get nothing again.
“Then there are enterprise charges and issues like Making Tax Digital, which take simply as a lot time whether or not you’re one particular person or a giant agency. I don’t thoughts paying my share, I do know it pays for issues we want. I simply desire a honest shot at incomes an sincere dwelling. Burnham must type this out.”
Mark Hewitson, Mark Hewitson Pictures
“I don’t need particular remedy from the federal government; I need honest alternative to develop. My message to the brand new prime m inister is easy: assist us provide help to. If small companies are given the arrogance and stability to take a position, make use of folks and develop, we’ll play an enormous half in strengthening the UK financial system.
“Folks usually say the excessive road is dying as a result of everybody outlets on-line. I don’t imagine that’s the entire story. Many impartial companies merely can’t afford rising rents, enterprise charges and growing prices of buying and selling. Make it extra inexpensive for small companies to open and keep on our excessive streets, and also you’ll see extra thriving native companies, stronger communities and more healthy financial system
Simona Ceple, Exdi Furnishings
“As a excessive road retailer, I’m actually hoping he introduces correct enterprise charges reform that’s honest to our excessive streets. My charges invoice practically doubled in April (£95 to £175 monthly) and it’s crippling on prime of wage and nationwide insurance coverage will increase and all different payments too.”
Kirsty Devine, Merely Divine Issues
“There may be a lot that might be carried out to enhance the assist for small companies and a few of it might make a right away influence:
“The present VAT threshold and enterprise charges negatively impacts SMEs. The abrupt 20% VAT price discourages development, as companies keep beneath the edge. Equally, current enterprise price evaluations have burdened SMEs with out adjusting the edge.
“Modifying the VAT price construction or elevating each thresholds would foster development, assist SMEs, and enhance employment by permitting reinvestment.
“Companies are scuffling with excessive electrical energy prices and the complexity and expense of GPSR rules, which have induced many SMEs to cease promoting to the EU and Northern Eire.”
Michelle and Andy Pleasure, Shelden Glass
“Stability please. For a big time frame. No radical adjustments, no wars, no extra elections, no management contests, no frantic adjustments that put the financial system in free fall. Nothing that scares customers. No tax will increase. No VAT will increase. No extra minimal wage rises. Simply nothing however secure positivity so we are able to plan, and our clients can chill out again into spending with out panic saving or scrimping.”
Jo Smedley, Purple Herring Video games
“Elevate the extent at which it’s a must to begin paying VAT on turnover. It forces micro companies off a cliff-edge the place £1 over £90,000 means all of a sudden they owe £18,000 on the identical turnover the next yr. Both increase it to one thing like £150,000 or create a sliding increment so 5% in first yr previous the restrict, 10% the yr after.
“Most small service companies can’t simply slap 20% onto their costs. There are various small companies selecting to maintain their turnover beneath 90,000 and restrict their very own development quite than fall off the cliff-edge with the hardship and uncertainty that brings.”
Marianne Killick, Marianne Killick Acupuncture
When Keir Starmer first introduced he would resign and earlier than it was confirmed that Andy Burnham would take over, we requested 16 different entrepreneurs to inform us what they need to see from the brand new prime minister. Right here’s what they stated:
“My largest hope for a brand new prime minister is just that small companies are listened to. We are sometimes described because the spine of the financial system, however many people really feel more and more missed. A discount in VAT would make a big distinction, each for companies and customers, at a time when each pound counts.
“The previous few years have been significantly robust. While I’m lucky to be a one-person enterprise and don’t carry the burden of staffing prices, rising power payments, elevated gasoline costs and the rising prices related to importing and exporting have all had an actual influence. Margins are being squeezed from each route, making it more durable for small companies to take a position, develop and plan for the long run.
“I’d additionally prefer to see stronger safety for small creators, designers and artists. The dimensions at which authentic merchandise are copied and offered by way of massive on-line marketplaces is extremely irritating. Many small companies make investments vital quantities of money and time defending their mental property, solely to seek out copies showing on-line with little consequence for these accountable. There must be better accountability for the platforms that facilitate this and extra significant assist for the companies attempting to guard the concepts they’ve labored so laborious to create.
“Small companies don’t anticipate particular remedy, however we do want a degree taking part in subject and a authorities that understands the realities we face on daily basis.”
Amanda Marshall, 3DONKEYS
“My fast response is concern round continued uncertainty. Small, service-based companies like ours rely closely on stability to plan staffing, pricing, and funding in gear.
“From the subsequent prime minister, I need to see sensible assist for SMEs, significantly round decreasing pink tape, honest taxation, and stronger motion on late funds, which may significantly influence money stream in our business. There additionally must be extra concentrate on vocational coaching to deliver expert technicians into trades.
“We don’t want handouts, only a secure, honest surroundings that enables us to develop and function with confidence.”
Stephen Wales, Bespoke Pest Management
“I’m glad that Labour has launched late cost laws, expanded entry to finance for SMEs and have began to cut back the quantity of pink tape. However there’s nonetheless a mountain to climb (metaphorically talking).
“We want higher late cost enforcement. It’s not sufficient to say that there will likely be penalties. The penalties must be extreme and swift if they’re going to work. If extra small companies are going to flourish, create jobs and enhance the financial system Labour have to make it simpler to rent folks and to get funding. They’ve made just a little little bit of progress, however there’s nonetheless an extended method to go.”
Angelique Ruzicka, WillowsEarth
“Keir Starmer’s resignation is a second for the subsequent prime minister to reset the connection with small enterprise founders. I launched my enterprise this month in Northamptonshire. My native council scrapped the start-up enterprise grant below BIPC.
“Different councils nonetheless supply them. That postcode lottery is precisely the type of inequality the subsequent PM ought to repair. I need to see a nationwide dedication to native start-up grants, as much as £2,000, tied to a supported enterprise planning programme. Not handouts. Earned assist. The subsequent PM must again founders from day one, wherever they reside, particularly these onboard with the online zero transition.”
Darin Graham, Daring Media
“Keir Starmer’s resignation is an opportunity to reset the connection between authorities and the folks constructing British companies from scratch. I need to develop my group, however the price of employment and day-one rights make hiring really feel out of attain for a small enterprise at my stage. I’ve needed to depend on AI and automation to plug the hole as a substitute of bringing within the folks I really need. The subsequent PM wants to cut back employer NI, simplify employment rights for small companies, and make hiring your first member of employees one thing to rejoice quite than worry.”
Julia Hartley, Guided Outside Adventures
“I’d like the subsequent prime minister to revoke Keir Starmer’s social media ban for below 16 yr olds. I’m all for curfews, closing dates, strict enforcement that no adults can contact child, extra regulation and fines of platforms, extra motion on cyber bullying.
“All of these are preferable for my part to an outright ban on social media. There does must be extra restrictions on the platforms, however we’ve at all times celebrated entrepreneurs and enterprise house owners on this nation. Whether or not that’s older folks like Richard Branson and Alan Sugar or youthful entrepreneurs like Ben Francis of Gymshark.
“This era of entrepreneurs would be the individuals who know how one can market on TikTok and Instagram. That is the trendy model of somebody promoting sweets in school or utilizing the playground as their enterprise launch.
“We shouldn’t be saying “In my day we’d print out some flyers and stroll the streets for 4 hours” – there are simpler methods to construct a enterprise lately. Will the social media ban go away UK youngsters at an obstacle in contrast with younger folks in different nations?
“If a 15-year-old within the UK can not study content material creation, advertising and marketing, group constructing or private branding, however a 15-year-old elsewhere can, does that create a expertise hole?”
Alex McCann, Altrincham HQ
“The subsequent prime minister should be conscious of the necessity of entrepreneurs who’re doing their finest to run small companies, whereas dwelling with incapacity and medical circumstances. They need to work and that needs to be mirrored within the insurance policies created and the assist that’s given to allow them to run their small companies and proceed to assist the financial system together with native and authorities contracts.”
Sonal Dave, celebrant, toastmaster and public talking professional
“I want to see much less speak about emigration and extra concentrate on how we are able to strengthen the British financial system, tackle persistent unemployment, cut back council taxes, and decrease the value of dwelling. I want to hear extra solution-focused conversations and never criticise what folks did previously. I want to hear about how we are able to all pull collectively and get out of the present scenario.”
Ana Clarke, enterprise strategist
“A lot of counselling and psychotherapy within the UK is delivered by certified practitioners in non-public apply, many working as restricted corporations and sometimes with out direct taxpayer funding.
“I’d urge the federal government to recognise the pressures going through small skilled companies. Lowering dividend tax and restoring a significant tax-free dividend allowance would assist hold small practices viable.
“Ministers must also legally defend the titles ‘counsellor’ and ‘psychotherapist’, which is lengthy overdue for public security, and prolong VAT exemption to psychological well being remedy providers, so extra folks can entry well timed, moral assist.”
Sumeet Grover, Grover Olufsen Psychotherapy
“Operating each a longtime on-line platform and a brand new freelance enterprise, my focus isn’t on political drama, it’s on predictability. What entrepreneurs and small companies actually need from the subsequent prime minister isn’t short-term handouts, however structural stability.
“I need to see a pacesetter who will genuinely decide to simplifying the tax system for micro-businesses and slicing the executive pink tape that drains a small enterprise’s time. The subsequent PM must make the UK a clearer, extra simple place to construct and develop a enterprise.”
Ruth Chappell, Dressage Wherever
“My focus is much less on personalities and extra on insurance policies that assist small companies develop. The subsequent prime minister should prioritise decreasing boundaries to commerce, enhancing entry to funding, supporting exporters, and making a extra secure surroundings for entrepreneurs. Small companies are the spine of the UK financial system, but many founders are going through rising prices, complicated rules, and uncertainty.
“As a enterprise increasing into the US, GCC, and doubtlessly India, I need to see stronger assist for innovation, worldwide commerce, and home-grown manufacturers trying to compete on the worldwide stage.”
Samantha Parkash Singh, Lushka
“I spend numerous time chatting with enterprise house owners throughout totally different industries, and one factor I hear many times is that it feels more durable than ever to run a small enterprise.
“Whether or not it’s hospitality, retail, journey or skilled providers, many companies appear to be going through extra regulation, rising prices and growing strain yr after yr. Most enterprise house owners aren’t asking for handouts. They only need some stability and the arrogance to plan forward.
“I’d prefer to see the subsequent prime minister pay a lot nearer consideration to SMEs. Small companies create jobs, assist native communities and drive development, but it will possibly really feel like they’re being held again quite than being allowed to thrive. Much less forms, clearer insurance policies and a greater understanding of the realities going through entrepreneurs would make an actual distinction.”
Damien Baxter, Geo Progress Media
“My largest hope from a brand new prime minster is that they change into proactive in being professional SMEs as they’re the lifeblood of the non-public sector. Small companies want much less pink tape, decrease taxes, and fewer pointless prices so that companies can develop, thrive and concentrate on what they do finest: working their enterprise, supporting their clients, and strengthening their local people.
“I’d additionally prefer to see a broader strategy to well being providers, with extra emphasis on serving to folks perceive their well being and stopping sickness, quite than relying solely on the NHS as soon as issues have already developed. Group assist issues too, as a result of when small companies thrive, they assist construct stronger, extra related locations the place folks can reside and work properly.”
Kerry Madgwick, Kerry’s Pure Well being Options
“Like many start-up founders, we’re much less involved with who occupies Quantity 10 and extra involved with creating an surroundings the place entrepreneurs can construct, rent and make investments with confidence. The UK has unbelievable expertise and stays among the finest locations on the earth to start out a enterprise, however early-stage corporations want better certainty round taxation, employment prices and entry to development capital.
“We’d prefer to see the subsequent prime minister concentrate on decreasing boundaries for small companies, encouraging funding into UK start-ups, and supporting innovation-led corporations which have the potential to create jobs, appeal to worldwide guests and contribute to financial development.
“Small companies don’t anticipate particular remedy; we merely want stability, consistency and a authorities that recognises the important position entrepreneurs play in constructing the financial system of the long run.”
Matthew Rushworth and Melanie Keenan, ReelTrip
“Enterprise doesn’t simply want monetary incentives; it wants the arrogance to develop. Throughout the tons of of entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders I interact with, that’s the message I hear most constantly. Authorities ought to recognise that one dimension doesn’t match all. With virtually three-quarters of UK companies using no person aside from the proprietor, Britain’s subsequent jobs growth may come from serving to extra entrepreneurs recruit their first worker. That first rent unlocks the expansion potential of the enterprise, the person and, collectively, the broader financial system. Supporting entrepreneurs to create jobs isn’t merely enterprise coverage; it’s an funding in Britain’s future prosperity.”
Jarmila Yu, YUnique Advertising Ltd.
“There are as much as 4.6 million self-employed employees within the UK, making up about 13.1% of the overall nationwide workforce.
“There have been additionally round 850,000 new companies registered with Corporations Home in 2024, and the World Entrepreneurship Monitor notes that 36% of the UK’s working-age inhabitants is engaged in entrepreneurship.
“Nonetheless, successive governments have ignored the enterprise sector. I hope the brand new prime minister places entrepreneurship on the coronary heart of his financial insurance policies.”
Christopher Norris, 12Ronnies
